For Luke Hancock’s mother, Van Hancock, the 4th of July will hold extra special meaning amid considerable grief.

That’s because she found out Wednesday that her son, the Louisville forward who earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final Four, will be the official U.S. flag bearer during Saturday’s opening ceremonies at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Hancock was chosen from more than 280 athletes in 18 sports to get that privilege.

The honor comes short of two weeks since Luke’s father, William, died after a three-year battle with cancer. And that’s why the moment comes at a needed time for her.

“I got a text from (Louisville assistant) Coach (Kevin) Keatts this afternoon, and that brightened my afternoon up,” Van Hancock said of how she received the news.

Luke Hancock left June 20 for Louisville as part of his preparations for trying out for Team USA in Colorado Springs, knowing that it would be the last time he would see his father. It was William’s wish that he try out for the team, and William’s passing came just four days later.

“I told Coach Keatts, we need to keep him going, and not let him come back,” Van said. “Dad wanted him to go.”

Mother and son have been in contact since, sharing their sorrows, and their conversations haven’t been easy. Their most recent talk came earlier this week, when Luke was in Dulles Airport just outside of Washington, D.C., preparing for the flight east with his teammates.

“It’s rough talking to Luke,” Van Hancock said of their conversations. “I try to keep it upbeat.”

Opening ceremonies for the Games are slated for 1:30 p.m. ET Saturday, with Team USA playing its first game on Sunday against the United Arab Emirates.

As that game gets going, there will be a big Louisville flag hanging outside Van Hancock’s home in Roanoke, Va. Right next to it will be an American flag, placed there when Van found out her son made the World University Games team this past Sunday.

Sadly though, the reality of watching that game already has hit her. Amid the pride comes pain.

“At some point, I thought, 'I’ll be watching it by myself,'” Hancock said. “Normally we would be watching games here together. ... (But) like I said, he’s got the best seat in the house right now.”